Premier Game Fishing in Madeira Aboard the "Katherine B" with Captain Peter Bristow

Welcome aboard the Katherine B! I am Captain Peter Bristow, inviting you to experience world-class big game fishing in Madeira.

Whether you are an experienced angler or stepping onto the deck for your very first offshore adventure, our charter offers the finest Mid-Atlantic big game fishing expertise and professional-grade equipment on the stunning island of Madeira.

Why Choose Game Fishing in Madeira with Us?

Expert Guidance: Learn the exhilarating art of rod and reel sport fishing with a seasoned captain who knows the local waters inside and out.
Target Iconic Species: Test your skills against powerful Blue Marlin, heavy-weight Tuna, and other prized pelagic game fish in Madeira’s nutrient-rich deep waters.
Top-Notch Equipment & Vessel: The Katherine B is fully equipped to cater to all your sport fishing needs, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and remarkable adventure on the vast open ocean.

Get ready for the ultimate Madeira sport fishing experience. Book your trip today and conquer the legendary blue waters of the Atlantic!

Capt. Peter Bristow

Sport Fishing Expert

Madeira Big Game Fishing Aboard the Katherine B

Please note that as a conservation policy, we strictly practice tag and release for all Billfish to protect and preserve our marine ecosystem. Explore our pages for a wealth of information to help make your offshore fishing trip an unforgettable experience.

Madeira truly is the premier destination for big game fishing, combining an exceptional year-round climate, breathtaking coastal scenery, and world-record catches.

Ready for the ultimate adventure? Join me on your Madeira fishing trip today!

Holding a large marlin caught aboard the Katherine B during a sport fishing trip in Madeira

FAQs

Whether you are an experienced big-game angler or are considering your first blue marlin fishing adventure, you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about big game fishing in Madeira and fishing aboard the Katherine B.

Many more FAQs answered here

Is Madeira good for big game fishing?

Yes. Madeira is regarded as one of World’s premier destinations for big game fishing, particularly for Atlantic blue marlin.

The island's volcanic geography gives anglers an unusual advantage. The seabed drops rapidly into deep Atlantic water close to the island, providing access to deep-water fishing grounds without the long slog offshore required at many other destinations.

Madeira also lies on important migratory routes for large pelagic species, including blue marlin and tuna. The combination of deep water, warm Atlantic conditions and abundant marine life makes Madeira an exceptional destination for serious sport fishing.

Why is Madeira famous for blue marlin fishing?

Madeira has developed an international reputation for Atlantic blue marlin because large numbers of these powerful fish pass through the surrounding waters during the warmer months.

Blue marlin are the principal target species for Madeira's big game fishing fleet, and the island has a long history of producing World Record fish. The waters around Madeira have also hosted major international blue-marlin tournaments.

For anglers specifically interested in pursuing a trophy blue marlin, Madeira is one of the destinations that belongs on the shortlist.

How close to shore is the deep water around Madeira?

One of Madeira's greatest advantages for big game fishing is the exceptional depth of the Atlantic close to the island.

In some areas, water around 1,000 metres deep can be reached only a short distance from the coast. This means that anglers can reach serious offshore fishing grounds only minutes after leaving Funchal Marina.

This unusual combination of steep underwater terrain and open Atlantic waters is one of the reasons Madeira is such an important big game fishing destination.

What types of fish can you catch in Madeira?

Madeira's offshore waters support a wide variety of game fish, with the species available changing throughout the year.

Depending on the season and conditions, anglers may encounter:

Atlantic blue marlin
White marlin
Spearfish - 3 species. Short bill - Long bill and Round scale.
Bigeye tuna (BET)
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT)
Albacore tuna
Wahoo
Dorado (mahi-mahi and Pompano Dolphin)
Swordfish
Skipjack tuna
Amberjack
Barracuda

Blue marlin are the principal big-game target during the main summer season, while tuna and other pelagic species provide bycatch and action at other times of the year.

How big are the blue marlin caught in Madeira?

Madeira is capable of producing exceptionally large Atlantic blue marlin. The average weight over the years varies from 720 lb to 750 lb. During good years, one in ten is over 1000.

However, a fish of 1000 is exceptional rather than something that should be expected on any particular trip. Big game fishing is wild fishing, and conditions, fish movements and feeding activity can change from day to day.

Can you catch a 1,000-pound blue marlin in Madeira?

Yes. Madeira has produced many blue marlin weighing more than 1,000 pounds including world records.

These exceptionally large fish are often referred to by big-game anglers as "grander" blue marlin. Catching one is a remarkable achievement, however, and no responsible captain can guarantee that an angler will encounter a fish of any particular size.

The excitement of Madeira's blue-marlin fishery comes from knowing that genuinely enormous fish are present in these waters.